Birthday cake candle extinguisher



Sept. 29, 1964 l BOSAK BIRTHDAY CAKE CANDLE EXTINGUISHER 3 Sheets-Sheetl Filed AMarch l5, 1963 l INVENTOR. PAUL Bos/AK Sept. '29., 1964 P.BosAK l'3,150,831

.BIRTHDAY CAKE CANDLE .EXTINGUISHER Filed yMarch 115, I1963 3Sh'ees-'Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

PAUL. BOSAK Sept. 29, 1964 P. BosAK 3,150,831

BIRTHDAY CAKE CANDLE: EXTINGUISHER Filed March l5, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 3INVENTOR. PAUL BOSAK United States Patent Oice 3,156,831 Patented Sept.29, 1964 sasassi BR'EHDAY CAI-GE CANDLE EX'IINGUISHER Paul lllosalr, lllW. 94th St., New York, NX. Filed Mar. l5, i953, Ser. No. 265,440 il)Claims. lCl. Z39-211) This invention concerns a candle extinguisherparticularly adapted for extinguishing lighted candles on birthday cakesand the like.

According to the invention there is provided a device having a base witha valved fitting upon which a balloon can be engaged. The balloon can beindated by an air pump. On the base is a post carrying a sharp pointedneedle and a movable guard which covers the needle and shields it fromthe inflated balloon. When the guard is moved away from the needle theballoon is punctured to release .the air therein. The device includes acasing provided for the base, balloon and puncturing means. The casinghas a nozzle which can .be directed at candles to be extinguished. Thecasing can be made in a decorative form simulating an animal, doll, toysoldier, cannon or other toy `ligure or figurine. The air released fromthe puncture/d balloon passes out of the nozzle of 4the casing withconsiderable force to extinguish the lighted candles. The device is auseful and amusing party table decoration. It serves the useful functionof extinguishing candles mechanically. This device fulfills a long feltneed at birthday parties for small children who may have insufficientlyforceful breath to extinguish candles on a cake. The device avoids there hazard commonly encountered when small children approach too close tolighted candles in an attempt to blow them out. The device also avoidsthe unsanitary condition encountered when children inexpertly blow oncandles and inadvertently expectorate upon the cake carrying thehandles. The device is constructed so that the broken ballooon can beremoved and a new one substituted for repeated use of the device.

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a device usefulfor extinguishing candles on a birthday or holiday cake.

A further object is to provide a candle extinguisher in which a casingcontains a balloon for storing air under pressure, with manuallyoperable means for puncturing the balloon to release the air through anopening in the casing.

Another object is to provide a candle extinguisher as described, whereinthe casing is in the form of a figurine or toy figure.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which thevarious novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FlG. l is a side elevational view of part of a candle extinguishingdevice embodying the invention, with a balloon shown in inflatedcondition.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional View taken on line 2-2 of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational View of part of the device with balloonremoved.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional View taken on line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 -is a fragmentary sectional view similar to a part of FIG. 2,showing details of a valve and pump.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device embodying the invention shownwith a birthday cake and lighted candles.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional View on an enlarged scale taken on line 7-7of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base of the device of FIG. 6.

FIG. l0 is a perspective view of another device embodying the invention.

FIG. ll is a perspective View of the device of FIG. l0 with par-t of thecasing thereof removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 9, there is shown one form of the device 20, whichhas an outer casing 22 in the form of a simulated Ibunny rabbit. Thecasing has two separable half shells 24a, 24h. On opposing abuttingedges of the shells are interfitted ridges 2S and grooves 26. The bottomedges 27 of the shells fit removably into a groove 2? formed in a flatbase plate 3l). A rubber band 32 or other elastic member can be engagedaround the casing to hold the two shells together. The base plate 30holds the lbottom ends of the shells together to form a closed enclosurefor other parts of the device.

In the plate Si) is a recess 32 with central hole 33. In recess 32 fitsa disk 34. This disk has an upstanding fitting or nipple 36 providedwith a ball valve 38. The valve normally seats on and closes the bottomconstricted end of valve passage 39; see FIG. 2. Slots 46 are formed inthe fitting 36 extending from passage 39 in which the ball moves topoints above transverse bame 42 which serves as a stop to limit upwardmovement of the ball. An apertured needle N of a manually operable pumpP can be inserted through hole 33 into passage 39 for elevating the ballto pump air through the fitting 36 as shown in FIG. 5.

On the disk 34 is a post ld extending upwardly perpendicularly to thedisk. This post has a flange 45 on its top end. An arm 43 extendsradially from the post near its upper end. In the end of the arm is tteda sharp pin or needle 50. Slidably fitted on the post between arm 43 andflange 45 is a collar 52 carrying a radial arm 54 on which is secured adisk or plate 56. This disk is disposed in front of the point of pin Silwhen the collar rests on arm 48. Extending upwardly from the disk is ashaft 5S which may have a removable knob 6l) at its end. The knob andshaft can be grasped manually for lifting lthe disk 56 upwardly to theposition of FlG. 3 to clear the pin Sil. The shaft extends upwardlythrough a slot or hole 62 defined by two opposing notches formed in`facing edges of the half shells 24a, 24h. The knob is located outsideof and is accessible at the top of the casing 22.

The fitting or nipple 36 has an outer corrugated side 36 on which can bedetachably engaged the neck 65 of an inflatable rubber balloon 66. Whenthe balloon is inflated it presses against the disk S6 as shown in FIGS.1 and 8. The disk S6 guards or shields the balloon from the point of pin50. When the disk Se is raised upwardly to clear the pin, the point ofthe pin punctures the inflated balloon.

The casing has a tapered nozzle 63 at its upper end, with a taperedpassage e7. This simulates the mouth of the rabbit as shown in FIG. 6.When the balloon is punctured the air under pressure passes outwardly ofnozzle 68 to extinguish the lighted candles 69 on cake 7l) disposed ontable T.

After the balloon collapses, the rubber band 32 can be removed and theshells can be lifted out of the base plate and separated to expose thecollapsed balloon. The balloon can then be removed from the fitting 36and a new one can be placed on the fitting.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show how the inflated balloon expands laterally to theinner walls ofthe casing and presses against the disk 5e and post 4d.The disk S6 need be drawn up only a very short distance to clear the pinSi) so that the 'a .9 expanded balloon contacts the pin and is puncturedthereby. The air pressure in the balloon holds the ball 38 seated at thebottom ot passage 39, so that the valve is closed as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 10 and l1 show another form of the invention in which the assemblyof disk 34, post d4, disk 56, collar 52, post 44 and other parts are thesame as explained above and are identically numbered. The device 26a or"FIGS. l and l1 is in the form of a toy cannon having two facing shells24 and 24 seated in a recess Si in base plate 30. Disk 3ft lits inrecess 32' oi the plate.

The casing 22a of the device has a forwardly extending nozzle 63a with atapered passage 67a which simulates the barrel of the cannon. The cannoncan be drawn up and aimed at the lame of -a candle or candles to beextinguished. When the shaft g and disk-56 are pulled upwardly, theballoon 66 will be punctured to discharge air under pressure out of thenozzle of the device.

It is desirable that the shells dening the casings Z2 and 22a be rathertightly fitted in the base plates, or detent pins 71 engaging in grooves7l' can be provided as indicated in FlG. ll or snapping the ilexibleshells into place and for holding them securely until somewhatforcefully removed manually. This is to insure that the intlated balloondoes not separate the casing from the base plate.

It will be noted that each casing is entirely closed except for thenozzle opening. The base plate closes the open bottom of the casing. Theslot or hole 62 or 62a through which the shaft 53 passes is closed bythe shaft so that no air can escape through this hole.

The several shells, base plate and other parts can be made of metal,plastic, wood or other suitable materials. Other forms of figures andligurines can be used such as a toy soldier aiming a toy gun throughwhich air would be discharged in a manner similar to that of the cannonof device 29a. Other simulated human figures, dolls, etc., may be used.The casing of the device can take the form of other animals such as abear, seal, elephant etc. Various other simulated objects and decorativearticles can be used to embody the invention.

In lall forms of the invention, there will be provided a casing indecorative form for housing a removable balloon with means forpuncturing the balloon upon manual actuation of a puncturing member, todischarge air under pressure from the casing.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of myinvention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to theprecise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes andmodifications may be made within the scope ot the invention as definedin the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by United States Letters Patent 1. A device for extinguishinglighted candles, comprising a base plate, a fitting on the plate forengaging the neck of an inllatable rubber balloon, one-way valve meansin the fitting enabling the balloon to be inflated with air yandretaining the air in the inllated balloon, a post supported by saidplate and having a pin extending radially therefrom for puncturing theballoon, guard means movably carried by the post shielding the pin fromthe inflated balloon, and a projection extending outwardly of the guardmeans for moving the same to clear said pin, so that the inflatedballoon is punctured by the pin.

2. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anozzle at one end for passing a stream of air therethrough underpressure, a fitting on the plate, an inflatable rubber balloon having aneck engaged on said fitting, one-way valve means in the fittingenabling the balloon to be inflated with air and retaining the air inthe intlated balloon, a post supported by said plate and having a pinextending radially there- 3. A device for extinguishing lighted candles,comprising-a base plate, a fitting on the plate, an inflatable rubberballoon having a neck engaged on said fitting, oneway valve means in thefitting enabling the balloon to be inllated with air and retaining theair in the inllated balloon, a post supported by said plate and having apin extending radially therefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard meansmovably carried by the post shielding the pin from the inflated balloon,and a projection extending outwardly of the guard means for moving thesame to clear said pin, so that the inflated balloon is punctured by thepin for releasing the air therefrom.

4. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anozzle at one end for passing a stream of air therethrough underpressure, a fitting on the plate, an inflatable rubber balloon having aneck engaged on said fitting, one-way valve means in the fittingenabling the balloon to be inflated with air and retaining the air inthe inilated balloon, a post supported by said plate and having a pinextending radially therefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard meansmovably carried by the post shielding the pin from the inflated balloon,and a projection extending outwardly of the guard means for moving thesame toclear said pin, so that the inllated balloon is punctured by thepin, whereby air released by the punctured balloon passes outwardly ofthe casing through said nozzle, said casing having the form of asimulated animal, said nozzle being part of the head of said animal.

5. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, cornprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said-casing having anozzle at one end for passing a stream of air therethrough underpressure, a fitting on the plate, an inflatable rubber balloon having aneck engaged on said fitting, one-way valve means in the fittingenabling the balloon to be inflated with air and retaining the air inthe inflated balloon, a post supported by said plate and having a pinextending radially therefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard meansmovably carried by the post shielding the pin from the inated balloon,and a projection extending outwardly ol' the guard means for moving thesame to clear said pin, so that the inflated balloon is punctured by thepin, whereby air released by the punctured balloon passes outwardly ofthe casing through said nozzle, said casing having the Vform of asimulated cannon, said nozzle being part of the barrel of the cannon.

6. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anopening therein for passing a stream of air under pressure therethrough,a fitting on the plate for engaging the neck of an inflatable balloon, apost supported by said plate and having a pin extending radiallytherefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard means movably carried by thepost shielding the pin from the inllated balloon and a projectionextending outwardly of the guard means for moving the same to clear saidpin, so that the inllated balloon is punctured by the pin for releasingair therefrom to pass through said opening.

7. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anopening therein for passing a stream of air under pressure therethrough,a fitting on the plate for engaging the neck of an inflatable balloon, apost supported by said plate and having a pin extending radiallytherefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard means movably carried by thepost shielding the 55 pin from the inflated balloon, and a projectionextending outwardly of the guard means for moving the same to clear saidpin, so that the inflated balloon is punctured by the pin for releasingair therefrom to pass through said opening, said casing having the formof a toy figure with a portion thereof defining a nozzle, said openingbeing formed in said nozzle.

8. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anopening therein for passing a stream of air under pressure therethrough,a itting on the plate for engaging the neck of an inflatable balloon, apost supported by said plate and having a pin extending radiallytherefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard means movably carried by thepost shielding the pin from the intiated balloon, and a projectionextending outwardly of the guard means for moving the same to clear saidpin, so that the iniiated balloon is punctured by the pin for releasingair therefrom to pass through said opening, said casing having the formof a toy ligure with a portion thereof defining a nozzle, said openingbeing formed in said nozzle, said top figure being a decorative doll,figurine, toy soldier, animal, or other simulated object or article,said casing being a two-part structure, the two parts of the casingbeing separable for exposing the fitting to enable removal andreplacement of the balloon.

9. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anozzle at one end for passing a stream of air therethrough underpressure, a fitting on the plate, an inflatable rubber balloon having aneck engaged on said fitting, one-way valve means in the fittingenabling the balloon to be inflated with air and retaining the air inthe inflated balloon, a post supported by said plate and having a piuextending radially therefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard meansmovably carried by the post shielding the pin from the inflated balloon,a projection extending outwardly of the guard means for moving the sameto clear said pin, so that the inflated balloon is punctured by the pin,whereby air released by the punctured balloon passes outwardly of thecasing through said nozzle, said guard means including a collar engagedby the post, and a disk plate secured to the collar and positionable atthe point of the pin, said projection including a shaft attached to thedisk plate and eX- tending through the casing for manual movement of thedisk plate away from the pin.

10. A device for extinguishing lighted candles, comprising a base plate,a hollow casing removably supported on the plate, said casing having anozzle at one end for passing a stream of air therethrough underpressure, a fitting on the plate, an inliatable rubber balloon having aneck engaged on said fitting, one-way valve means in the fittingenabling the balloon to be inliated with air and retaining the air inthe inflated balloon, a post supported by said plate and having a pinextending radially therefrom for puncturing the balloon, guard meansmovably carried by the post shielding the pin from the inflated balloon,and a projection extending outwardly of the guard means for moving thesame to clear said pin, so that the inflated balloon is punctured by thepin, whereby air released by the punctured balloon passes outwardly ofthe casing through said nozzle, said casing having a two-part structure,with the two parts separable to expose the fitting and enable removaland replacement of the balloon.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS800,420 Washington Sept. 26, 1905 1,811,572 Ailes June 23, 19312,666,667 Ward Jan. 19, 1954 2,739,420 Dugdale Mar. 27, 1956 2,840,951Green Iuly 1, 1958 2,855,732 Weismantel Oct. 21, 1958 2,887,272Rosenthal May 19, 1959 3,119,561 wilson Jan. 2s, 19`6'4 FOREIGN PATENTS1,168,772 France Sept. l, 1958

1. A DEVICE FOR EXTINGUISHING LIGHTED CANDLES, COMPRISING A BASE PLATE,A FITTING ON THE PLATE FOR ENGAGING THE NECK OF AN INFLATABLE RUBBERBALLOON, ONE-WAY VALVE MEANS IN THE FITTING ENABLING THE BALLOON TO BEINFLATED WITH AIR AND RETAINING THE AIR IN THE INFLATED BALLOON, A POSTSUPPORTED BY SAID PLATE AND HAVING A PIN EXTENDING RADIALLY THEREFROMFOR PUNCTURING THE BALLOON, GUARD MEANS MOVABLY CARRIED BY THE POSTSHIELDING THE PIN FROM THE INFLATED BALLOON, AND A PROJECTION EXTENDINGOUTWARDLY OF THE GUARD MEANS FOR MOVING THE SAME TO CLEAR SAID PIN, SOTHAT THE INFLATED BALLOON IS PUNCTURED BY THE PIN.